Acute liver failure due to primary angiosarcoma: a case report and review of literature

World J Surg Oncol. 2008 Sep 30:6:104. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-6-104.

Abstract

Background: Hepatic angiosarcoma is a primary sarcoma of the liver, accounting for only 2% of all primary hepatic malignancies. Acute liver failure is an extremely rare presentation of a primary liver tumour.

Case presentation: We report a case of a seventy year-old man who presented with a very short period of jaundice leading to fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). On further investigation he was found to have primary angiosarcoma of liver.

Conclusion: The treatment outcomes for hepatic angiosarcoma are poor, we discuss the options available and the need for prompt investigation and establishment of a diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hemangiosarcoma / complications*
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure, Acute / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications*
  • Male